Outreach
The Transnational & Global Studies Center in UFIC is committed to promoting global awareness both at the University of Florida and in the larger community. To that end we have created outreach programs aimed at sharing the beauty and importance of other cultures with area children. Our outreach has two main facets: teacher training through periodic workshops and student speakers. In response to a growing need, a group of international graduate students attended workshops and formed an International Student Speakers' Bureau (ISSB), creating a diverse and qualified pool of speakers available to make presentations at the schools throughout Gainesville and Alachua County.
Promotes Interactive Learning
Our outreach program encourages students to learn about the aspects of a country that interest them- Everything from how war impacts children and what it's like to live in a communist society to what kind of music is popular and what the strangest foods are. By enabling American students to listen and interact with speakers from different homelands, we hope to further motivate them to learn about and explore various cultures within classroom settings and on their own.
Raises Global & Cultural Awareness
We aim to broaden cultural understanding and perceptions within the American school system by raising awareness about different countries and cultures. Additionally, we hope to give international students studying at the University of Florida exposure to the American educational system and young Americans.
Provides Alternative Information Sources
Our program attempts to broaden the resources available to teachers and students beyond textbooks. In addition to our speakers, we offer supplemental resources that further delve into the intricacies of our speakers' respective countries.